6 Palestinians Killed, Houses Destroyed in Gaza as Israeli Tanks Fire Shells

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israeli tanks pushed deeper into several districts in Gaza on Sunday, killing at least six Palestinians and destroying multiple homes. 

The tanks advanced into the Shejaia neighborhood of northern Gaza and further into western and central Rafah, near the Egyptian border.

Intensified Offensive in Gaza

Israeli forces intensified their offensive in Gaza, targeting Shejaia and Rafah. 

Residents reported that Israeli tanks, which had moved back into Shejaia four days ago, fired shells towards several houses, trapping families inside. 

The shelling resulted in the deaths of at least six Palestinians and significant destruction of property.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a weekly cabinet meeting, reiterated his stance on the necessity of achieving victory in the war against Hamas. 

He emphasized Israel's objectives: eliminating Hamas, returning all hostages, ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel, and securing the safe return of Israeli residents to their homes.

Ongoing Conflict and Casualties

The conflict has also affected the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where an Israeli strike near the city of Tulkarm killed one man and wounded five others. 

The deceased was identified as a member of Islamic Jihad. The Israeli military has not commented on this incident.

In response to Netanyahu's comments, Hamas released a video purportedly showing the production of anti-tank rocket warheads, asserting their ongoing preparation and defiance.

The Israeli military reported that its forces operating in Shejaia had killed several Palestinian gunmen and discovered military infrastructure inside a United Nations school, along with dozens of weapons and valuable intelligence documents. 

Additionally, a "terrorist war room" was found at a clinic in Shejaia, highlighting Hamas' alleged use of civilian structures for military purposes.

Hamas denies these accusations, asserting that they do not use civilian sites for military purposes.

Continued Resistance

Despite Israel's extensive air and ground campaign in Gaza, Hamas and allied Islamic Jihad fighters continue to stage attacks on Israeli forces. 

They have fired anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs in fierce fighting in both Shejaia and Rafah, demonstrating their resilience even in areas Israel claims to have controlled for months.

Efforts by Arab mediators, backed by the United States, to broker a ceasefire have stalled. 

Hamas insists that any deal must end the war and bring a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel is only willing to accept temporary pauses in the fighting until Hamas is eradicated.

Devastating Impact

The conflict, which began on October 7 with a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel, has led to significant loss of life and destruction. 

According to the Gaza health ministry, nearly 38,000 people have been killed in Gaza, with the majority being civilians. 

Israel reports that more than 300 Israeli soldiers have died and estimates that at least a third of the Palestinian dead are fighters.

The deepening conflict in Gaza continues to take a heavy toll on both sides. 

As Israeli forces advance and shell residential areas, the humanitarian crisis worsens, with significant casualties and destruction. 

The international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will bring peace and stability to the region.